Tender chicken cutlets soaked in pickle brine, coated with seasoned panko, and pan-fried to a crispy finish.
# Ingredient List:
→ Chicken & Marinade
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g)
02 - 1.5 cups dill pickle brine
03 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
05 - 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
→ Coating
06 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 2 tablespoons water
09 - 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
10 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
12 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
→ For Frying
13 - 0.5 cup neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or sunflower)
→ Serving (optional)
14 - Lemon wedges
15 - Fresh dill, chopped
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to 0.5-inch thickness.
02 - Combine chicken, pickle brine, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 4 hours.
03 - Remove chicken from brine and pat dry with paper towels.
04 - Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs and water, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt.
05 - Dredge each cutlet first in flour, then dip into egg mixture, and finally coat thoroughly with seasoned panko breadcrumbs.
06 - Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken cutlets 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Work in batches if needed.
07 - Transfer fried cutlets to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
08 - Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges and freshly chopped dill if desired.
